Page 24

"It's a pleasure." George offered a strained smile, taking my hand gently. "Are you related to Chester Kellerman?" he asked, checking my appearance with an inappropriate, hungry glint in his eyes, and my entire body stiffened.

"No," Zyon replied instead of me, leisurely moving his hand up and down my back. His blatant lie made me nervous, but I kept a polite smile on my face. "Valeria is just unfortunate to share the same name. "

"I hope it won't get her in trouble." George shrugged, directing his attention from my chest to Zyon. "Do you have time for a meeting tomorrow, my friend? I heard rumors about Starlight."

"Of course. My assistant will call you."

The men exchanged a few more phrases and shook hands, and then George sat behind the VIP slot machine for diamond card players. Zyon didn't care about him and gently nudged me to walk toward the elevator.

Once inside, I couldn't stay quiet any longer because the fear consumed me. George wasn't an ordinary man, and his remark and Zyon's reaction frightened me.

"What was that?" I breathed, fighting with the tremor in my voice and my shaking body. "What did Chester do?"

"You don't need to be worried, Valeria," Zyon said calmly, but I was far past that. Nudging uncertainty about my and Zara's safety almost brought me to my knees. The anger I felt toward my husband was unimaginable, but the fear for my daughter was paralyzing.

"I have every reason to be worried!" I hissed, lowering my voice because the elevator doors opened, and I didn't want anyone to hear me. "I have a daughter and no means to defend myself against people like you."

"People like me?" He lifted a brow, blocking the entrance into the restaurant with his massive body. I was trapped between him and the now-closed elevator door, but it didn't bother me.

"Powerful underworld bosses who crave revenge or enormous amounts of money that my husband lost and I'm not able to pay," I clarified, shaking like a leaf.

I clenched my palms into fists, trying to find balance, but the shock was too much.

Chester brought this disaster upon his family, and I was sure he didn't even care.

"Come with me, Valeria." Zyon gently took my hand and led me outside. We sat on the beautifully enlightened terrace near the fireplace, and he handed me a thick blanket. I threw it over my shoulders and covered my legs, watching the gorgeous, emotionless face before me .

"George is a family friend," Zyon started, opening the menu and passing it to me. "He isn't an underworld boss in your fantasy world. He knows your husband because there was a time, years ago, when Chester was the best trader in the city."

"But what about George's remark?" I asked, taking the glass of water and gulping down the refreshing liquid, the cold instantly helping to make me feel better.

"He likes to tease. Don't take his words too seriously." Zyon folded the menu and waved at the waitress, ordering the grilled salmon. I chose the same because I lost my appetite minutes ago and didn't know what to pick.

"You lied about my marriage," I pointed out when the waitress left. Zyon leaned into his seat, watching me through narrowed eyes that looked like flames were dancing in them. But it was only the reflection of the fire behind me.

"You don't need someone like Chester on your resume.

It won't bring you any good," he responded, making circles with his finger on the silver spoon.

His lecturing tone was the last drop, and only the gratitude deeply rooted within me for his help in my situation stopped me from snapping. But it still didn't make me shut up.

"Your name on my resume isn't a victory either, Mr. Zhumagulov," I retorted, doing my best to keep my voice at an acceptable volume. "We both know the fantasy world you are referring to exists, and you're the king of it."

"If you truly believe in what you just said, why are you scared?" he asked, resting his elbows on the armrests and folding his hands in his lap.

"Because I'm not part of your inner circle," I replied, pulling the blanket from my shoulders. The cold immediately caused chills to run down my spine. Goosebumps covered my entire body. "I'm only your employee."

"A true king cares for all of his people, Valeria," he said, watching me cautiously like he expected an attack, but I was just a terrified woman who didn't know what to do or think.

"And what do you expect in return, huh?" I inquired, trembling from cold and different emotions churning inside my chest. "Because I have nothing to give you."

I rose to my feet, attempting to leave because I considered this conversation over, but I wavered because of my blood pressure. Grasping the table's edge, I steadied myself, but Zyon was already by my side, holding me by my arm .

"Sit down, Valeria," he said softly, moving the chair behind me with his feet, but I refused to obey.

"No," I stated stubbornly, wriggling my elbow from his hold. Yet, it only made the situation worse.

"I said, sit the fuck down!"

My body didn't cooperate with my mind, and while it screamed in defiance, my ass collapsed on the comfortable chair.

The mask fell from my face, uncovering my true feelings.

I was petrified of the consequences of Chester's actions.

The tears burned in my eyes, and Zyon's subduing presence wasn't helping much.

I had to check on Zara and Lisa to ensure they were okay. Maybe then I would feel better.

"Valeria, look at me." I lifted my eyes from my lap, connecting them with the darkest stunning craters that were like a magnet to me.

"I don't expect anything from you. You're here because I believe you're an intelligent, hard-working, amazing woman, and it would be a waste of potential if I let you walk away. "

He crouched before me, wrapping me in the blanket tightly to keep me warm. My heart fluttered from his tenderness.

"And if you ever need anything," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to mine, "all you need to do is ask, and I will take care of it. Understand?"

"Yes," I breathed, searching his face for some clue of deceit or a trap, but there was none. His words sounded sincere, and I wanted to trust him, but knowing what I knew about him forced another shiver to wash over my body.

If I ever considered Chester powerful enough to take away my daughter and destroy me, it was nothing compared to Zyon and his unlimited options.

I dreamed about the man almost every night, imagining stupid scenarios in which I could be happy with him, but the reality was that I wanted someone equal, someone who would care, love, and respect me.

Not someone who would crush me because I didn't do as he commanded.

Zyon offered me help, but I couldn't even think about the price of his magic.

Serving as a momentary distraction didn't look good in my head either.

I had dignity, and paying with my body for help was too low for me.

Maybe it could be fun to enjoy a quick affair with him, yet then I would risk my job and its advantages.

The best I could do was keep my distance from Zyon and find out on my own what my husband had really done.

If his actions could cause me trouble, I had to be prepared.